Abstract: Methods are provided for the stabilization of proteinases by the covalent attachment of or admixture with water-soluble polymers. The resultant stabilized proteinases have increased stability under the harsh conditions used in industrial genomics, which permits their use in the extraction and isolation of nucleic acids and the identification of disease-related prion proteins at elevated temperatures in solutions containing chaotropic agents, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, urea or guanidinium salts, conferring advantages for robotic applications.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus in the form of a valve (140) comprises a body (148) defining a bore (168) with a curved disc closure member (142) positioned in the bore. First and second retaining members (144, 146) are positioned on respective sides of the disc (142) for retaining the disc in a closed position and to hold pressure from both sides. One of the retaining members (144) is retractable to permit opening of the valve disc (142). The disc (142) may be locked closed by locking the retractable retaining member (144) in position. On release of the member (144), application of fluid pressure to portions of the member (144) will retract the member (144).

Abstract: A method of locating a tubing string in a bore, the method comprising the steps: providing a device defining a restriction-engaging member; locating the device on the lower end of a tubing string; and then running the tubing string into the bore until the member engages a restriction in the bore and the device and the tubing is prevented from advancing further by the restriction. The member is then re-configured to permit further advancement of the device and tubing relative to the restriction and the device and tubing moved a predetermined distance relative to the restriction to position the tubing at a desired location in the bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic suspension systems and in particular to vehicle oleopneumatic suspension systems employing sliding pillar struts. There is provided a suspension system for a vehicle comprising a plurality of suspension struts, each mounted between a vehicle body and a wheel assembly, each including a cylinder having a closed end and an inner bore; a piston rod slideable within the inner bore having a proximal end which terminates within the inner bore and a distal end which extends from the inner bore. Between the inner bore and the piston rod there is mounted an oil seal which seals a strut volume. A hydrostatic bearing is mounted within and vents into the strut volume. A hydraulic circuit and associated control system is adapted to control flow of hydraulic fluid between the strut volume and a reservoir, thereby providing control of at least the time-averaged axial position of the piston rod relative to its corresponding inner bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating a section of liner intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises a length of tubing, the wall of the tubing defining a plurality of apertures, and perforating charges being located in the apertures. The tubing is adapted for mounting on the lower end of a length of production or test tubing such that the formation fluid may flow into the tubing and then directly into the production or test tubing. The charges disintegrate on detonation to leave the apertures unobstructed and to form light or small parts which may be swept out of the well by the formation fluid. Following detonation of the charges, the flow area of the tubing corresponds to the tubing internal diameter.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus (10) for mounting on a string (12) for location in a drilled hole is provided, the apparatus comprising: a tubular body (14) defining a bore; a packer (16) mounted on the body (14) for sealing the annulus between the body (14) and the wall of the hole; a plug or valve (18) for closing the body bore (14) below the packer (16); a fluid actuated valve (20) in the body between the bore closing valve (18) and the packer (16) for permitting selective fluid communication between the body bore and the exterior of the body, and an arrangement (22) for transferring fluid pressure from above the packer (16) to the valve (20), whereby fluid pressure applied to the annulus above the packer (16) may be used to operate the valve (20).

Abstract: Downhole apparatus in the form of a valve (140) comprises a body (148) defining a bore (168) with a curved disc closure member (142) positioned in the bore. First and second retaining members (144, 146) are positioned on respective sides of the disc (142) for retaining the disc in a closed position and to hold pressure from both sides. One of the retaining members (144) is retractable to permit opening of the valve disc (142). The disc (142) may be locked closed by locking the retractable retaining member (144) in position, On release of the member (144), application of fluid pressure to portions of the member (144) will retract the member (144).

Abstract: Downhole apparatus in the form of a valve (140) comprises a body (148) defining a bore (168) with a curved disc closure member (142) positioned in the bore. First and second retaining members (144, 146) are positioned on respective sides of the disc (142) for retaining the disc in a closed position and to hold pressure from both sides. One of the retaining members (144) is retractable to permit opening of the valve disc (142). The disc (142) may be locked closed by locking the retractable retaining member (144) in position. On release of the member (144), application of fluid pressure to portions of the member (144) will retract the member (144).

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating a section of liner intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises a length of tubing, the wall of the tubing defining a plurality of apertures, and perforating charges being located in the apertures. The tubing is adapted for mounting on the lower end of a length of production or test tubing such that the formation fluid may flow into the tubing and then directly into the production or test tubing. The charges disintegrate on detonation to leave the apertures unobstructed and to form light or small parts which may be swept out of the well by the formation fluid. Following detonation of the charges, the flow area of the tubing corresponds to the tubing internal diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in setting packers and other fluid actuated devices includes a tubular body (222), a valve (228) for controlling the flow of well fluid through a port (234) in the body (222) and a valve actuator (224) mounted on the body (222) and movable relative thereto, to open the valve (228) by application of well fluid pressure. The well fluid may flow through the open valve (228) to set a packer or actuate a device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protection system against subterranean termites including a hollow pipe in which termites are able to circulate, a container for containing bait and a branch connecting the hollow pipe to the container.

Abstract: A self oscillating power converter uses two MOSFET transistors connected across first and second primary windings. Each MOSFET is controlled using a gate control circuit located in a feedback path. Each gate control circuit is driven by a gate drive winding which is transformer coupled to a primary winding and which is phased with the primary winding such that regenerative feedback causes accelerated sequential turn-on and turn-off of the associated MOSFET transistor. Each feedback path includes a capacitor for charging in response to the voltage generated across the gate drive winding to initiate turn-on of the MOSFET transistor and a resistor for discharging the capacitor to initiate turn-off of the MOSFET transistor. The power converter can be configured as a push-pull converter in either a common-drain or common-source configuration. The power converter can also be configured such that at least one MOSFET transistor is capacitively coupled to a primary winding.

Abstract: A fully automated accounting system accurately and automatically monitors and records all gaming chip transactions in a casino. The system employs a gaming chip having a transponder embedded therein and has an ongoing and "on-command" ability to provide an instantaneous inventory of all of the gaming chips in the casino, including those in storage in the vault as well as the chips in the cashiers cage and at each gaming table on the casino floor. The system is capable of reporting the total value of the gaming chips at any location, as well as the value of any particular transaction at any gaming table or at the cashiers cage. Optionally, the transaction history of each chip may be maintained in a data base embedded in the chip (or alternatively in a central computer), and read each time the gaming chip is scanned by a special antenna.

Abstract: A method of tracking movement of gaming chips in casino comprising gaming chips each having an electronic circuit which transmits information, and antennas located at gaming chip placement areas. When gaming chips are placed on a first gaming chip placement area within the casino, the antenna at that first gaming chip placement area transmits a radio beam which in effect scans the electronic circuits of the gaming chips. The electronic circuits identify the gaming chips by electronically broadcasting information. Upon moving a first of the gaming chips to a second gaming chip placement area, the antenna at the second gaming chip location transmits a radio beam which scans the electronic circuit of the first gaming chip. The electronic circuit in the first gaming chip identifies the first gaming chip on the second gaming chip placement area so that the location of the first gaming chip is tracked. The gaming chip placement areas may be at various places such as on a gaming table or a gaming chip tray.

Abstract: A radar equipment comprising a display unit (FIG. 1) and a scanning unit (FIG. 2) linked together by electrical conductors (94,72,106,26) for the transmission of information and/or control signals between the units, and circuitry (90,98; 66,69; 102,108; and 25,162, respectively) for superimposing on an individual conductor more than one of the signals.

Abstract: An optical sensor for viewing a signal image at a wide range of angles relative to the optical axis. The sensor characterized by having a detector for receiving the focused image thereon and having an inner member and outer annulus. The inner member and outer annulus function independently of each other or in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A circuit for generating high frequency output pulses comprising a magnetron, a pulse transformer having its secondary winding coupled to apply firing pulses across the input terminals of the magnetron, charge storage means connected in circuit with the primary winding of the pulse transformer, and switching means for discharging the charge storage means through said primary winding to generate a firing pulse from said secondary winding, said switching means comprising an FET switching device having output terminals connected in series with said primary winding, and a control terminal, and a control circuit adapted to deliver low voltage (e.g. less than 20 volts) pulses to said control terminal.

Abstract: A radar is used for detecting and locating threat tanks. The selected target tank bearing and range are displayed to the helicopter pilot who directs the helicopter course accordingly to aim missiles toward the target. Range to the target is inserted into a computer which determines launch elevation and predicts time of flight. Based on a predetermined time delay after launch, a seeker in the missile begins searching for the target. Upon acquiring the target, the missile seeker tracks the target and enables homing to intercept.

Abstract: A passive radio frequency (rf) sensor is used to track the beacon of a bastic nonguided rocket. Azimuth and elevation data are obtained in conventional radar fashion, but range data is obtained by range tracking the beacon pulse which is timed by a precision crystal controlled clock.